Gov. Ned Lamont announced Thursday afternoon that Connecticut’s extreme hot weather protocol has been extended through Tuesday, Aug. 9, at 8 p.m.
The protocol means state agencies will work with municipalities and other organizations to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 to make sure that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide.
The protocol was originally set to expire Friday evening but was extended due to the updated forecast, Lamont’s office said. “It’s looking like we are in for a couple more days of high humidity, and I strongly encourage everyone to take the necessary precautions,” Lamont said in a statement Thursday.
Connecticut Public meteorologist Garett Argianas is forecasting highs in the 90s Friday and upper 80s to low 90s Saturday and Sunday. Thunderstorms and scattered downpours are possible Friday night and over the weekend, Argianas said Thursday afternoon.
Here are ways to stay safe in the summer heat
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a poor air quality alert Thursday for southwest and central Connecticut, parts of central and northeast Massachusetts and southeast New Hampshire.
Forecasters are predicting unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups due to elevated levels of ground-level ozone, according to the EPA.
The EPA encourages everyone to take steps to reduce the amount on ground-level ozone while the air quality is poor.
The EPA ozone standard is 0.070 parts per million (ppm). There have been 16 days in New England so far this year when ozone concentrations have exceeded the standard, according to the EPA.
@GovNedLamont has activated the State's extreme hot weather protocol beginning at 8:00 a.m on Tuesday and remaining in effect through 8:00 p.m. on Friday. https://t.co/yzdSyKp3dv Some prevention tips to stay safe in extreme heat include:
Cities and towns throughout the state announced cooling center locations and extended hours at community pools and sprinkler parks. Connecticut Public gathered a brief list, but residents are encouraged to call 211 for individual help and resources.
Ansonia High School 20 Pulaski Highway Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Danbury Library 170 Main St. Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
New Street Shelter 41 New St. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Hatters Hall 7 E. Hayestown Road Thursday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Downtown Library 500 Main St. Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Albany Library 1250 Albany Ave. Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
261 Barbour St. Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Camp Field Library 30 Campfield Ave. Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dwight Library 7 New Park Ave. Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Park Street Library @ the Lyric 603 Park St. Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
New Britain Public Library 20 High St. Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
New Britain Senior Center 55 Pearl St. Thursday, 8:15 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
North Haven Town Hall 17 Elm St. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Montowese Fire Station 282 Quinnipiac Ave. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Torrington City Hall Auditorium 140 Main St. Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Community Pool 375 Hartford Turnpike Open two additional hours from 6 to 8 p.m. through Friday. The pool will be closed between 5 and 6 p.m. to give staff a break. Daily admission fees will apply.
Anyone in need of a cooling center should call 211 or visit 211CT.org.